The Ministry of Education has expressed serious concern following the reported sexual abuse of a 14-year-old student with autism at Bolgatanga Girls’ Senior High School (BOGISS) in Ghana’s Upper East Region. The alleged abuse was committed by two watchmen employed by the school.
The Ministry condemns in the strongest terms any act of sexual abuse or exploitation of a child under the care of any institution. Schools exist to protect and nurture students, and any breach of that trust especially by adults entrusted with safeguarding vulnerable children is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
The police have arrested the two watchmen alleged to have sexually abused the student. The Upper East Regional Police Command identified the suspects as Adams Nyaaba Iddrisu (72) and Elvis Adongo (38), following a report by Media Without Borders.The suspects were arrested on Tuesday, 18 August 2026, within hours after the story was reported.
The Regional Police Command says the suspects are in custody and are being processed for court. They are expected to be arraigned on Thursday, 20 August 2026, in Bolgatanga, the regional capital.
According to sources within the school, the two security guards allegedly abused the girl multiple times at different locations on campus. The reported incidents are said to have occurred behind the dining hall and at the security duty post at the main gate, which faces the highway linking Ghana to Burkina Faso.Sources further claim that the first incident occurred in the last week of June 2026, shortly after supervised evening studies (commonly known as “prep”) ended.
The sources say the girl was returning to her dormitory when one of the guards allegedly lured her to an isolated area behind the dining hall with a promise of food, where she was reportedly sexually abused.The Ghana Education Service (GES) states unequivocally that a minor cannot be held responsible for sexual abuse perpetrated against her by an adult.
The Hon. Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has directed the Ghana Education Service to investigate the matter immediately and report without delay. Ensure the victim receives all necessary medical attention and counselling for her recovery. Immediately reinstate the boarding status of the victim.
The Ministry assures the student’s family and the general public that it will ensure justice is served. It also describes the development as an act of indiscipline and reaffirms its commitment to the safety, dignity, and rights of every child in Ghana’s education system.
Source: mywordfmonline.com/Gaspard Adongo Ayuureneeya.